frustration is setting in...

For you seasoned people (and not so seasoned)- how long did it take to get used to your first digi cam?? I understand the basis of photography but i am finding myself getting very frustated because i feel lost. I am assuming this is because I dont know my camera well. I am trying to just get out and shoot , but that is proving to be harder than it seems.

Did you just take your camera everywere and take pictures of littered soda cans or whatever was around until you felt comfy? Basicly- what circumstanes do i need to put myself in to really get a good feel of the camera?? AAAAHHHHH

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question- but HELP!!

Hi Marie, I would recomend reading up on basic photography technique, then go out and shoot everything and anything, while experimenting with AV, TV, Manual, and Program modes on your command dial. The more you shoot, the more you'll learn about it. As specific questions arise, feel free to ask them here. You'll find this is a very helpful bunch here.
-Bruce

getting to know your camera

As savey as I think I am...read the manual and try all types of suggestions in it. I thought I knew what to do when using my G5 but after reading the manual....da for me, after one year of ownership, I found MUCH more on it and am now using more creative ways to take photo's.

hi marie.
personally for me. i learned the basics first, i learned shutter speed, apperture, depth of field, etc...
then try to imitate the ideas i have in my mind. i have made soo many mistakes but its okay, its a digital camera. i delete and move on. of course you gotta practice.
digital cameras are so easy to carry around these days. i carry mine all over. i take pictures of food i order at restaurants, my friends and i partying, the clouds, sunsets and more. the idea is, you'll figure out or get familiar with each settings and next time will know how to act in that situation. don't think of it as work. think of it as a hobby u want to/like to do for yourself.
anyway, i'm constantly learning but am getting there.

berto

Try finding something you really enjoy taking pictures of--if you're taking pictures of something that you think of as unattractive, there won't be much motivation to capture it as best as you can. For me, I think I learned a lot with flowers--I have zillions of pictures of flowers now, but I'm still not tired of them. In trying to get exactly the right shot each time, I've refined a lot of basic skills, and picked up new knowledge as well.
Of course one problem is that now I need to move on and practice more with non-macro shots (landscape, portrait, etc), since not all of that knowledge applies to those styles.

Berto's point is good: have fun! It's a lot easier/faster to learn that way.

Okay. THat sounds good. For some reason I think I need to go out in the blaze of glory and learn everything there is to know about every photography situation. I think that is why i am getting frustated.

I do like Macro, and have gotten a lot of good responce from it.
Also, I have always liked landscape but the weather here (bay area) is always clowdy and I dont really know where to go to shoot nice landscapes. Everyone always says (SF is right there) but i am not one for street photography, except I would like to get into night photography...

I also have been getting into desk top studio stuff (i think that is the word) I really love playing wiht light and I obviously can control it.

So, in summary I will continue with Maco, get into the desk set up thing and learn night photography. I hope that will not be too boring....

Sorry for rambling- thank you ALL for your help...

You mean some people don't have multiple soda can portfolios? Next thing I know, you're going to tell me that not everyone makes regular photo expeditions to the local auto salvage yard.

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LOL! Good example Michael.
-Bruce

I sensed that by reading your other post about fill-flash and 1st & 2nd curtain flash - you could go for years and take millions of great photos without ever knowing about those things. Like the old saying goes, you need to learn to walk before you can run.

Here's my advice: never force yourself to take pictures. When you feel like it, take a short walk around your block or neighborhood. Any weather will do, as long as its not actually raining. Take a few pictures here & there in the Auto or Programmed mode. Don't expect (or even attempt to get) masterpieces. You just want to get a feel for the camera when it is doing all the work. Study your pictures when you get home.

The next time you feel like it, study up on some other mode, like aperture priority ("AV"), then go out and see how your camera responds. Study your results.

If you run in to trouble, consult your manual or ask questions here - the key is to take it slow. I've been into photography for 30+ years now, and I still learn new things now & then.